The current crises are forcing companies even more to question their processes and services, to develop them consistently and despite that to remain cost-efficient. Outsourcing services is still a promising option to reduce costs – but it does not necessarily have to be “farshoring” anymore. At our Top Speakers Lounge on 30th November in Zurich, the keynote speaker Dr Stefan Brupbacher (Director of Swissmem) will highlight the potential of CEE countries for the Swiss business and then discuss with a prominent panel of experts the opportunities and risks involved.
The companies from Austria and Switzerland have in recent years reached out to nearby Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) for outsourcing processes. This has also been underlined by this year’s NZZ’s SME Barometer:
If we look at the expected geographical changes, there is a clear trend towards proximity. For 57 per cent, Central Europe and for 38 per cent Eastern Europe will become more important, while a full 60 per cent expect China to lose importance for them as a supplier in the coming twelve months. In industry 52 percent, in IT 51 percent and among banks 21 percent are counting on Eastern Europe [for their outsourcing]. Meanwhile, a full 75 per cent in the food sector, 68 per cent in IT, 64 per cent in pharmaceuticals and 58 per cent in manufacturing want to reduce their dependence on China.
But where are the greatest potentials? What hurdles and risks must be taken into account? What reservations exist and are they justified? We would like to address these questions on 30th November.
Keynote Speech:
Dr. Stefan Brupbacher, Director, Swissmem
Panel Discussion:
Thomas Haneder, Tax Advisor & Managing Partner CEE/SEE, TPA Group
Tobias Gerfin, CEO, Kuhn Rikon AG
Stefan Barny, Director Global Network, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Moderation:
Peter A. Fischer, Chief Economist, NZZ
